7 models in this file
Antarctic Star Ice Makers: Nugget or Bullet Ice?
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If you searched for an Arctic Star ice maker, the brand you are almost certainly looking for is Antarctic Star, which sells a wide range of compact countertop machines. Its lineup covers both classic bullet ice, the hollow cup-shaped cubes most portable machines make, and softer, chewable nugget ice, all in units small enough to carry by the handle to an RV, a campsite with hookups, a boat or a backyard party. None needs plumbing: you pour water into the tank and wait a few minutes for the first batch.
The six models below split into two bullet ice makers that prioritize speed and a small footprint, and four nugget ice makers that trade some compactness for chewable ice and, in two cases, larger capacity or auto dispensing.
No. 1 of 7 · Antarctic Star
Antarctic Star Countertop Ice Makers Compared
9.8/10 Our score
Best for: RV owners wanting a small, frugal machine
What the listing says
- Eco-Conscious Performance The ice maker uses an optimized motor and streamlined construction to cut energy consumption by 30%.
- Turbo Ice Machine Chill drinks in just 6 minutes – 26lbs of bullet ice a day capacity crushes summer heat anxiety.
- Self-Cleaning Care One-touch maintenance cycle keeps ice tasting fresh.
- Road Trip-Ready Compactness Fits anywhere with 8.74"x11.47"x11.57" footprint – Throw a countertop ice maker in your RV, tailgate setup, or beach cabana.
- Library-Quiet Operation Whisper-quiet tech at
Pros
- Bullet ice in 6 minutes
- 88W rated wattage
- Under 40dB claimed
- Handle, basket and scoop
Cons
- 26 lbs/day is the lowest here
- Odd 28V voltage entry
| Model | Ice type | Daily output | Dimensions | Tank or storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Countertop Ice Maker Machine (HZB-12/Q) | Bullet, 2 sizes | 26 lbs | 8.74 x 11.47 x 11.57 in. | Not listed |
| Nugget Ice Maker (HZB-15S/N) | Nugget | 34 lbs | Not listed | 1 L capacity listed |
| Nugget Ice Maker Gen 2 Auto Dispenser (HZB-15DN) | Nugget | 33 lbs | 6.69 D x 16.38 W x 13.46 H in. | 1.8 L tank, 1.5 lb storage |
| Nugget Ice Maker 44Lb/Day (HZB-20EN) | Nugget | 44 lbs | 9.45 D x 12.20 W x 14.96 H in. | 1.8 L tank, 2.65 lb storage |
| Nugget Ice Maker Sonic-style (HZB-15NH) | Nugget | 34 lbs | Not listed | 12-15 lbs stored (claimed) |
| Bullet Ice Maker (IM5812XH) | Bullet, 2 sizes | 27 lbs | 11.61 D x 8.74 W x 10.63 H in. | 1.2 L tank, 1.1 lb basket |
No. 2 of 7 · Antarctic Star
Antarctic Star Countertop Ice Maker Machine for Compact RV Galleys
9.8/10 Our score
What the listing says
- Eco-Conscious Performance The ice maker uses an optimized motor and streamlined construction to cut energy consumption by 30%.
- Turbo Ice Machine Chill drinks in just 6 minutes – 26lbs of bullet ice a day capacity crushes summer heat anxiety.
- Self-Cleaning Care One-touch maintenance cycle keeps ice tasting fresh.
- Road Trip-Ready Compactness Fits anywhere with 8.74"x11.47"x11.57" footprint – Throw a countertop ice maker in your RV, tailgate setup, or beach cabana.
- Library-Quiet Operation Whisper-quiet tech at
The Antarctic Star Countertop Ice Maker Machine, model HZB-12/Q, is the most travel-friendly bullet ice option here. It makes 8 bullet ice cubes in 6 minutes, offers two cube sizes and is rated for up to 26 lbs of ice per day. Its footprint of 8.74 x 11.47 x 11.57 inches is small enough for an RV counter, a tailgate table or a beach cabana, and it comes with a portable handle, basket and scoop.
Antarctic Star says an optimized motor cuts energy consumption by 30% and gives a rated wattage of 88 watts, the lowest in this lineup, which matters if you are running off a campground pedestal or a generator. It claims operation under 40dB and has a one-touch self-cleaning cycle that the brand recommends running weekly or after two weeks of inactivity. The warranty is one year. One odd entry lists the voltage as 28 volts, which is probably a data error; confirm it runs on a standard outlet before you buy.
This suits RV owners and small households who want quick bullet ice with the least power draw and counter space. If you need more ice for a crowd, the 44 lb nugget model produces far more.
No. 3 of 7 · Antarctic Star
Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Maker Countertop with Soft Chewable Ice
9.0/10 Our score
Best for: Boats and dorms wanting nugget ice
What the listing says
- Efficient Ice Making Experience Make chewable ice with our versatile countertop ice maker.
- Intelligent Ice Management System You won't miss a beat with our Intelligent Ice Full Alert and Water Shortage Alert systems.
- Hygienic 20-Minute Self-Cleaning Maintain pristine ice quality with the one-touch self-cleaning function that thoroughly sanitizes your portable ice maker…
- Intuitive LED Touch Control Easily operate your electric ice maker through the sleek LED touch screen panel.
- Space-Saving & Portable Design With compact dimensions (9.45"D×12.20"W×14.96"H) and removable ice basket/water tank, this mini ice makers countertop fits perfectly…
Pros
- Sonic-style chewable ice
- First batch in 10 minutes
- No plumbing needed
- Removable top cover
Cons
- No warranty info listed
- Storage claim seems optimistic
Best for: Big groups and busy RV kitchens
Pros
- Up to 44 lbs per day
- 65 lb ice storage
- 20-minute self-clean
- Removable tank and basket
Cons
- Tallest unit at 14.96 in
- Scoop listing is inconsistent
Best for: Hands-free ice at a party or office
Pros
- Touch-screen auto dispensing
- 8 L water tank
- Detachable cup tray
- 33 lbs per 24 hours
Cons
- 5 lb storage basket
- Wide 16.38 in. footprint
Best for: Nugget ice fans on a road trip
Pros
- Soft chewable nugget ice
- Up to 34 lbs per day
- Carry handle included
- Ice Full and Low Water alerts
Cons
- Weight not listed
- Warranty not listed
The Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Maker Countertop in stainless steel silver, model HZB-15S/N, is the brand’s entry nugget machine. It makes soft, chewable ice that the listing describes as easier on teeth and well suited to beverages and cocktails. The first batch is ready in about 10 minutes, and it produces up to 34 lbs of ice per day.
It is described as lightweight, with a comfortable carry handle and an included ice scoop and basket, and it has “Ice Full” and “Low Water” indicators. Self-cleaning is started by adding water, turning the machine off and holding the power button for 5 seconds. It draws 136 watts. The listing gives a capacity of 1 liter but does not specify dimensions, weight or warranty.
Choose this if you want nugget ice on the road without the size of the dispensing model. For a closer look at the brand’s nugget range, see our Antarctic Star nugget ice maker countertop guide.
No. 4 of 7 · Antarctic Star
Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Maker Countertop Gen 2 Auto Dispenser
8.0/10 Our score
What the listing says
- Professional Nugget Ice Maker & High Output Equipped with advanced ice-making technology, this countertop ice maker efficiently produces up to 33 lbs of…
- Smart Self-Cleaning Function & Touch Screen Control：Features a self-cleaning ice maker system that automatically cleans the…
- Large Capacity & Quick Ice Production Boasts a 1.8 L built-in water tank and a 1.5 lb ice storage basket, reducing the need for frequent refills.
- User-Friendly & No-Waste Ice Dispensing Comes with a detachable cup tray that aligns directly with the ice outlet—simply place your cup…
- Space-Saving & Portable Design With compact dimensions of 6.69’’ D × 16.38’’ W × 13.46’’ H, this tabletop ice maker fits easily on countertops, desks, or kitchen islands.
The Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Maker Countertop Gen 2 Auto Dispenser, model HZB-15DN, adds something the others lack: on-demand dispensing. You place a cup on the detachable tray aligned with the ice outlet and touch the screen to drop ice, so no one needs to dig into the basket with a scoop. It makes up to 33 lbs of nugget ice per 24 hours, with the first batch in 10 to 15 minutes.
A 1.8 L built-in water tank reduces refills, and ice storage holds 1.5 lbs. The self-cleaning system flushes the internal water lines, and the touch screen controls operation. The listing highlights a penguin design with a smart light alert. It measures 6.69 inches deep, 16.38 inches wide and 13.46 inches high, so it is shallow but wide, and it is a manual water supply machine, not plumbed. The warranty is one year from the manufacturer.
This suits an office, a party table or a larger RV where several people grab ice throughout the day. Its width makes it the hardest to stow in a small van, so travelers short on space should look at the bullet models.
No. 5 of 7 · Antarctic Star
Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Maker Countertop 44Lb/Day for Big Groups
8.4/10 Our score
What the listing says
- Chewable Nugget Ice Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Maker can create soft ice that is easier to chew, bringing you…
- 10-Minute Rapid Ice Makes the first batch in just 10 mins, so you’ll never wait for chilled drinks.
- Portable & Easy to Use: Lightweight with a comfortable handle and included ice scoop/basket—take it anywhere…
- Smart Self-Cleaning One-touch self-cleaning, make sure the nugget ice remain fresh and clean.
- Space-Saving Design Compact countertop ice maker, sturdy carrying handle, including ice scoop and storage basket.
The Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Maker Countertop 44Lb/Day, model HZB-20EN, is the high-output option, producing up to 44 pounds of chewable ice per day with a 10 to 15 minute cycle. It has a 1.8 L water tank, 2.65 lbs of ice storage, and both the basket and water tank are removable, which makes emptying and cleaning easier on the road.
An LED touch screen controls settings and cleaning, and ice-full and water-shortage alerts keep it from running dry. The self-cleaning cycle takes 20 minutes. It draws 120 watts and measures 9.45 x 12.20 x 14.96 inches, making it the tallest model here, so check cabinet clearance in an RV. The highlights mention two sizes and a scoop, while the included components list only the ice basket and water tank, so confirm whether a scoop is in the box. The warranty is one year.
Pick this one for family reunions, long weekends at a cabin or a busy RV with several drinkers. Solo travelers will find the smaller bullet machines easier to live with. If you are also keeping cool in a small space, our personal room cooler review covers another compact summer appliance.
No. 6 of 7 · Antarctic Star
Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Maker Countertop Sonic-Style in Black
8.8/10 Our score
What the listing says
- Chewable Nugget Ice – Enjoy soft, chewable "Sonic-style" ice perfect for cocktails, sodas, or sensitive teeth.
- 10-Minute Rapid Ice – Makes the first batch in just 10 mins, so you’ll never wait for chilled drinks.
- Portable & Easy to Use – Lightweight with a comfortable handle and included ice scoop/basket—take it anywhere (home, office, RV, camping).
- Smart Self-Cleaning – One-touch auto-cleaning function eliminates mineral buildup—no scrubbing needed!
- Space-Saving Design – Compact countertop ice machine (no plumbing needed) fits in kitchens, dorm rooms, or boats.
The Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Maker Countertop in stainless steel black, part HZB-15NH, is very similar to the silver HZB-15S/N: soft, chewable “Sonic-style” nugget ice, a first batch in 10 minutes and up to 34 lbs per day. It adds a removable top cover and draws 136 watts at 115 volts.
It comes with an ice maker, manual, scoop and basket, has a carry handle, and uses the same “Ice Full” and “Low Water” indicators. One-touch auto-cleaning is described as eliminating mineral buildup. The listing says it stores 12-15 lbs, which is far more than the storage figures on the other nugget models, so treat it with caution. The warranty field is blank, and dimensions and weight are not listed. The listing also names boats and dorm rooms as good homes for it, since it needs no plumbing.
Choose between this and the silver model mainly on color and the removable top cover. If you want dispensing, go for the Gen 2; if you want more output, go for the 44 lb model.
No. 7 of 7 · Antarctic Star
Antarctic Star Bullet Ice Maker Countertop with Two Ice Sizes
9.4/10 Our score
Best for: Cooler filling with two ice sizes
What the listing says
- 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡-𝐘𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐈𝐜𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫 & 𝐃𝐈𝐘 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐥: This ice maker countertop makes 9 buellet ice in…
- 𝟐 𝐈𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐢𝐭 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐬: Stop settling for one-size-fits-all ice, Switch between small and large ice cubes with one tap.
- 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥 & 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: User-friendly LED control panel delivers hassle-free operation, simply add water, hit start, and pick your preferred ice size.
- 𝐋𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐤 & 𝐈𝐜𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠: Comes with a 1.2L water tank and 1.1 lbs ice basket.
- 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧: Slim ice machine countertop body with size of 11.61"D x 8.74"W x 10.63"H takes…
Pros
- 9 bullet cubes in 6 minutes
- Small and large ice sizes
- DIY building-block panel
- 6 lbs listed weight
Cons
- 1 lb ice basket
- Blocks for panel not included
The Antarctic Star Bullet Ice Maker Countertop, model IM5812XH, makes 9 bullet cubes in 6 minutes and up to 27 lbs per day. You can switch between small and large cubes with one tap: small ice cools drinks quickly, while large ice melts more slowly, which the listing recommends for coolers, seafood storage and frozen smoothies.
It has a 1.2 L water tank, a 1.1 lb ice basket, low-water and basket-full reminder lights, and an auto-clean cycle started by holding the power button for 5 seconds. The front includes a 21 x 21 grid panel that accepts standard building blocks for decoration, though the blocks are not included. It measures 11.61 x 8.74 x 10.63 inches and is the only model with a listed weight, at 12.6 pounds, which is light enough to carry from a car to a campsite table.
This is a good fit for campers who fill coolers, since large cubes last longer. The small basket means you will need to empty it often into a cooler or freezer.
Before you choose
How to Choose the Right Antarctic Star Ice Maker
Nugget or bullet ice. Nugget ice is soft and chewable and soaks up flavor, which many people prefer in sodas and cocktails. Bullet ice is harder, arrives faster (6 minutes on both bullet models versus 10 to 15 for nugget), and the large size lasts longer in a cooler.
Size and portability. For an RV or van, the two bullet machines have the smallest footprints, and the IM5812XH weighs a listed 12.6 pounds. The Gen 2 dispenser is 16.38 inches wide, and the 44 lb model is nearly 15 inches tall.
Power draw. If you run on a generator or limited campground power, the 88W HZB-12/Q is the most frugal. The nugget models are rated between 120 and 136 watts.
Output and storage. For a crowd, the 44 lb/day HZB-20EN with 2.65 lbs of storage leads. The others range from 26 to 34 lbs per day. Remember that storage baskets are small on all countertop ice makers, so plan on moving ice to a freezer or cooler. On hot days in a trailer, pairing an ice maker with a portable evaporative air conditioner can make a big difference.
Questions people ask
FAQ
Is Arctic Star the same as Antarctic Star?
Shoppers often search for “Arctic Star,” but the countertop ice makers covered here are sold under the Antarctic Star name.
Which Antarctic Star ice maker makes the most ice?
The HZB-20EN nugget model, rated for up to 44 pounds per day.
Do Antarctic Star ice makers need a water line?
No. These are countertop models you fill by hand. The Gen 2 is described as a manual water supply machine, and the Sonic-style model says no plumbing is needed.
How do I clean an Antarctic Star ice maker?
All six have a self-cleaning function. On several models you add water, turn the machine off and hold the power button for 5 seconds to start the cycle.
Which Antarctic Star is best for an RV?
The HZB-12/Q bullet model for its small footprint and 88W rating, or the IM5812XH if you want two ice sizes for a cooler.
Which Antarctic Star ice maker dispenses ice automatically?
The Gen 2 Auto Dispenser (HZB-15DN) drops ice into a cup when you touch the screen.
Prices, specifications and the feature lines above are read from the product listing and can change without notice. Scores are out of 10, based on listed specifications and buyer feedback; nothing on this page is written from handling the product.
